MG4 XPower Review: great value for money, but rivals are better to drive
The XPower is the flagship model in the MG4 line-up. (Cameron Richards)
MG is on a roll with its EV model line-up, and the MG4 is by far one of the best cars in its class, thanks to its great looks and impressive electric range.
The XPower is the holy grail of the MG4 range, and now the firm has updated it inside and out to make this electric hot hatchback even more competitive against the Cupra Born VZ and Alpine A290.
With the electric hot hatchback market growing, is the new and improved MG4 XPower a serious contender, or does it fail to deliver alongside its European rivals?
Updates
There have been changes made to the car’s exterior and interior. (Cameron Richards)
The changes made to the XPower are very subtle, with some minor updates made to the car’s exterior design with a new single-piece rear spoiler, which replaces the old dual-split wing.
It’s inside where the tweaks have been made with new body-hugging sports bucket seats, a redesigned centre console, updated door cards and a new 12.8-inch infotainment system that now incorporates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There are also some new exterior colours, but the rest of the car remains the same as before.
Engines and transmissions
The dual-motor setup produces 429bhp and 600Nm of torque. (Cameron Richards)
Underneath, the XPower uses the same 64kWh battery pack as the regular MG4 Long Range, though it has the benefit of dual electric motors to make all-wheel drive.
It produces a colossal 429bhp and 600Nm of torque, while 60mph comes round in 3.6 seconds and the car will continue all the way to 124mph.
In terms of range, MG claims the XPower can travel up to 251 miles between charges and that 144kW DC rapid charging will enable a 10 to 80 per cent top-up to be completed in 30 minutes.
Behind the wheel
The XPower is very fast, but doesn’t feel as polished to drive as its rivals. (Cameron Richards)
The MG4 XPower is all about straight-line speed, as the dual-motor setup provides an instant throttle response and plenty of grip.
However, drive the car on a twisty road and you realise that the XPower isn’t as much fun as you might think. The steering doesn’t provide much feel, making the whole experience feel disconnected, while the rapid acceleration soon becomes tedious with time. Furthermore, the shallow rear window and upright headrests reduce visibility when reversing, though every model does come with a reversing camera and 360-degree surround view monitor to help.
Then there’s the ride, which seems to be unsettled most of the time, and even small imperfections cause the car’s chassis to jolt and wallow – the Cupra Born VZ is much sharper to drive.
Another issue is the car’s efficiency, which averaged just 3.3 miles per kWh during our tests, working out at a real-world range of just 211.2 miles – that’s 40 miles off the officially claimed WLTP figure.
Styling
The orange brake calliper covers and unique 18-inch wheels differentiate it from a regular MG4. (Cameron Richards)
The standard MG4 is a handsome-looking car, thanks to its broad shoulder lines and squatted rear end.
The XPower has subtle design differences with its unique 18-inch alloy wheels and orange brake calliper covers, which do look cheap on the eye.
Other differences are the gloss black and chrome lower body mouldings along the doors, but the rest of the car is standard MG4, which is no bad thing.
Interior and practicality
The cabin is well thought out with lots of soft-touch materials. (Cameron Richards)
Inside, the XPower’s cabin is almost identical to the regular car, while the body-hugging sports bucket seats are very comfortable and supportive.
There’s a new 12.8-inch infotainment system that now includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus, MG has now included new physical shortcut and climate control dials below the touchscreen itself.
All the materials throughout feel premium, with soft-touch plastics on the door cards, dashboard and centre console, and storage is plentiful, with a glovebox, large door bins, two cup holders, a wireless phone charger, centre armrest cubby hole and a large centre console cut-out.
Space in the back is decent too, with lots of headroom, kneeroom and legroom for average-sized adults, while there is additional storage with double seatback pockets and rear door bins.
Boot space stands at 363 litres, which is slightly off the pace of the Cupra Born VZ’s 385-litre capacity, though there is an underfloor storage area where the charging cables can be stored. The standard 60:40 split-folding rear seat folds completely flat and increases that space to 1,165 litres. Sadly, there is no frunk on offer, which would boost the car’s practicality further.
Prices and trim levels
The standard bucket sports seats are comfortable and supportive. (Cameron Richards)
The XPower sits at the top of the MG4 model line-up, and there is just one standard trim level to choose from.
Prices start at £33,995 – that’s £12,000 cheaper than a Cupra Born VZ, and £250 less than a top-spec Alpine A290 GTS with the government’s Electric Car Grant incentive.
That makes the XPower exceptional value for money, plus every car comes with 18-inch alloy wheels with orange brake calliper covers, grey suede sports bucket seats, a 12.8-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and start, as well as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
Verdict
The MG4 XPower is a good car and it’s very fast on the open road, it’s just not as composed or as exciting as it could be.
Its good looks, premium-feeling interior, generous level of cabin space and superb value for money means it ticks a lot of boxes.
But, despite its affordable price tag, we think you should save £1,000 and go for the regular MG4 Extended Range, which looks just as good and is a better all-round car.
Star rating: ★★★☆☆
Pros:
Rapid performance
Practical interior
Stylish design
Great value for money
Cons:
Not very efficient
Rivals are more engaging to drive
Poor rear visibility
FACTS & FIGURES
Model we’ve tested: MG4 XPower AWD 64kWh
Price of test car: £34,540
Engine: 64kWh battery pack with dual electric motors
Power: 429bhp
Torque: 600Nm
0-60mph: 3.6 seconds
Top speed: 124mph
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
Efficiency on test: 3.3 miles per kWh (211.2 miles real-world range)
Claimed electric range: 251 miles
Maximum charging speed: 144kW
